Cork City 3-1 Sligo Rovers

Cork City upset expectations by beating in-form Sligo Rovers 3-1 in the Airtricity Premier Division in front of a joyous 1,538 at Turner's Cross.

Despite losing 3-0 in their lost two matches and facing a Sligo Rovers side that have won their last three matches, the home side upset the odds with a much needed victory.

The opening goal came from winger Daryl Horgan who chipped Gary Rogers with aplomb after 49 minutes. He scored his second after 74, when he brilliantly flicked the ball past his marker and struck the ball into the bottom corner.

Sligo pulled one back when David McMillan struck home from a knockdown by substitute Anthony Elding after 84 minutes. City then scored a third through debutant Ciarán Kilduff after a defensive mix up one minute later.

The visitors enjoyed almost total domination in the first half, without making the home 'keeper Mark McNulty unduly uncomfortable. The second half saw almost a complete reversal.

Cork City were down their first four centrebacks with John Dunleavy pulling out just before kick-off through injury, but managed a great defensive display. Credit to Kalen Spillane and Garry Buckley.

City set up with a 4-4-2 shape that featured Kilduff as the spearhead with Daryl Kavanagh behind.

Sligo had a central trio in midfield of Joseph Ndo, David Cawley and Seamus Conneely that ensured domination of possession. New signing David McMillan occupied the left wing with Danny North in the centre and Lee Lynch on the right.

Kilduff almost had a dream debut by throwing in a great cross that Kavanagh should have converted for Cork City after 6 minutes. He side footed his volley straight into grateful 'keeper Rogers.

Thereafter the visitors settled down and passed the ball with pace and precision. They created a succession of chances with centre forward Danny North going close with a shot that just went the wrong side of the near post after 8 minutes.

The best chance of the half that the Bit O' Red created came after 11 minutes when Mark McNulty saved a ferocious David Cawley drive. He was set up through neat interplay from Joseph Ndo and Lee Lynch.

Despite their fluency and excellent passing and movement, Rovers did not trouble Mark McNulty for the rest of the first half.

4 minutes after half time the home side took an unlikely lead. The previously imperious Joseph Ndo left a back pass short and winger Daryl Horgan scampered onto the ball. From just outside the box he beautifully chipped Rogers to shock the visitors.

After 53 minutes David Cawley had a fierce drive saved after great Sligo interplay. City scored their second through Horgan after 74 minutes. The Sligo response resulted in their well-worked goal through new signing McMillan, but Kilduff's quick response ensured the win.